Last day of work for me before Christmas and if we're being honest with each other, I'm already on cruise control. Here's a quick recap of what's cooking on the Yankee hot stove:
- The team continues to insist it's not in on Max Scherzer. Yesterday it was Randy Levine speaking the company line on behalf of the team, telling Newsday that "the chances of us bringing in another guy who makes $25 million or over are, in my opinion, virtually none." Usually it's bad news when Levine is the team mouthpiece, but he stuck to the script yesterday and managed not to say anything stupid. That's a plus.

- In the world of cheaper FA alternatives, another one came off the board yesterday when the Royals signed Kris Medlen to a 2-year/$8.5 million deal. I know he doesn't have the upside, but seeing 2 big time arm injury guys like Medlen and Brett Anderson getting close to $10 mil makes me feel better about giving Capuano 5.

- Another potential rotation target came off the board without being signed yesterday when the Hiroshima Carp announced they will not be posting Kenta Maeda this offseason. He's the latest high-profile Japanese pitching prospect, more Kuroda than Darvish or Tanaka at age 26. Maybe the Yanks can try for him next year if he's posted, but the Carp don't have to do it next year either.

- Via George King, the Yankees are no longer pursuing Jason Grilli as a bullpen option. He would make sense as a traditional 9th inning closer, but I think there are better options still out there.